The most important part of your solar system isn’t just the panel, but the inverter. There are different types of solar inverters in India, mainly On-Grid, Off-Grid & Hybrid. Each has its perks and drawbacks. Understanding of all three is critical to building the best solar system for your home or commercial project.
In this blog, we will explain the three solar inverter types, their pros & cons, and share some tips to find the best solar inverter in India.
What Is An On-Grid Solar Inverter?
The on-grid solar inverter is used when the system is connected to the grid. This inverter converts the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) for home and office appliances. The wave, voltage, and frequency of the electricity generated by the on-grid inverter must match those of the grid. If the grid shuts down for any reason, your solar system will shut down too.
This is a widely used option because you can pull electricity from the grid if panels don’t generate enough. Furthermore, you can transfer the excess electricity to the grid for net metering. Net metering gives you credit for your energy use, so you don’t have to pay for your bills.
Advantages of an on-grid solar inverter
- Easy-to-install system
- Surplus energy can help you get credit
- Affordable alternative
- Continuous supply of electricity
Disadvantages of an on-grid solar inverter
- Dependency on the grid system
- No electricity back-up
- The solar system doesn’t work in a power outage
What If An Off-Grid Solar Inverter?
The off-grid solar inverter is used to create an independent solar system. The off-grid solar system also includes a battery to store the excess electricity for later use. These inverters are not connected to the grid; thus, they can generate electricity as long as they receive optimal sunlight.
Rural regions that experience frequent power outages rely on off-grid solar inverters for electricity. The off-grid system provides free electricity throughout the day, but it requires customers to pay higher upfront costs.
Advantages of an off-grid solar inverter
- Independent energy-generating system
- Backup energy storage for nighttime
- Safety from power outage or grid failures
Disadvantages of an off-grid solar inverter
- High upfront cost for installation
- Recurring cost of maintaining and replacing the battery
- No external electricity support in case of system damage
What Is A Hybrid Solar Inverter?
A hybrid solar inverter combines the best of on-grid and off-grid inverters to deliver optimal performance. This solar inverter is connected to the grid and to the battery.
When the grid is operating, excess electricity is first stored in the battery, and the rest is transferred to the grid. However, at night or during a power outage, the battery will supply the electricity. Thus, a hybrid inverter ensures that you have electricity in any situation. Additionally, you get credit from net metering.
Advantages of a hybrid solar inverter
- Connection with the battery and the grid for maximum utilization
- 24*7 access to electricity (even in a power outage)
Disadvantages of a hybrid solar inverter
- Higher installation cost
- Complex installation and maintenance
Comparison Of Different Types Of Solar Inverters In India
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you understand the solar inverter types.
| Features | On-Grid Solar Inverter | Off-Grid Solar Inverter | Hybrid Solar Inverter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid Connection | Yes | No | Yes |
| Battery Backup | No | Yes | Yes |
| Working in Power Cut | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Medium to High |
| Surplus Energy Management | Absent | Battery Storage | Battery + Grid Transfer |
| Net Metering Credits | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best For | Urban areas with stable grid | Rural / Power cut areas | Flexible & reliable solution |
How To Choose The Right Solar Inverter?
You should consider the following factors when looking for solar Inverters for Industry or home.
Understand your demographics
Your demographic situation is a critical factor in your final choice. If you live in an urban area with a constant grid supply, an on-grid solar inverter for home or office will be best. However, if your area experiences frequent power cuts, you should choose an off-grid or hybrid inverter with battery backup.
Define your budget
Your budget should be your primary concern. Both off-grid and hybrid solar inverters are expensive than on-grid solar panels. However, an on-grid solar panel depends on the grid, so you might have to pay if your solar system has a performance issue. Therefore, consider your demographic situation and budget to make the choice.
Determine if it is compatible with your solar system
Your inverter is responsible for converting DC from your solar panels to AC for use by appliances. The solar inverter must be compatible with your solar panels for optimal performance. Connect with a reliable solar inverter manufacturer to find your best match.
Check the inverter’s efficiency rating & warranty
The warranty, along with the efficiency rating and features, should be checked to confirm that the inverter maintains quality standards. The best efficiency rating for a solar inverter is between 95% and 99%. The inverter needs to include an advanced monitoring system which enables performance tracking and early detection of system faults.
Buy The Best Solar Inverter In India From Sunora Solar!
Sunora Solar sells a wide range of solar inverters in India. We make high-quality on-grid and hybrid solar inverters for homes and businesses. You can get all kinds of solar inverters, from single-phase to three-phase, with the best ratings, features, warranty, and support after installation. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Conclusion
There are various types of solar inverters in India, and choosing one can be overwhelming. Therefore, we listed how on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid solar inverters work. On-grid inverters rely on the grid connection, and you get credit points for transferring excess electricity through net metering. Off-grid is better for areas with irregular grid connections. You need a battery with an off-grid inverter to store electricity. Hybrid connects with the grid and battery for 24*7 electricity supply. You have to choose among these three based on your demographics, budget, panel compatibility, and inverter rating and warranty. Contact Sunora Solar for high-performing solar inverters for home and commercial projects.
FAQ
Which solar inverter is best: on-grid or hybrid?
The choice depends on your power requirements and the grid supply. If you have a stable grid supply and don’t need a significant backup, an on-grid connection will be better. If you want stable backup and the net metering benefits, you can opt for a hybrid solar inverter.
What is the difference between an on-grid and an off-grid solar inverter?
The primary difference between on-grid and off-grid solar inverters is whether they are grid-connected and whether they include a battery. On-grid solar inverters are dependent on grid connection. If the grid shuts down, so will the inverter. However, an off-grid solar inverter isn’t connected to the grid; instead, it’s connected to batteries to store excess electricity. If you have a stable grid supply and want to get net metering credit, choose an on-grid system; if you do not want to connect to the grid, choose an off-grid inverter.
Which solar inverter is good for homes?
For most homes, especially in urban and tier-2 cities, on-grid and hybrid systems work best. However, if the utility supply in your area isn’t reliable, an off-grid inverter is the best choice. Let’s connect on a call if you need more advice.
Which company is best for solar inverters?
Sunora Solar is one of the best solar inverter manufacturers in India. We offer a wide range of solar inverters, including single-phase, three-phase, CP, and hybrid models. Contact us for the best prices and compatibility assessment.
